Yes many times. I first visited a decade ago. I remember seeing shit smeared on the walls and ceilings of outhouses. A kid taking a shit on the steps of city hall. Today, they have come a long way in some parts of the country in terms of hygiene. In other parts there has been less progress. I have been to the wet markets in two Chinese provinces, and in other Asian countries as well. How about you?

I have also been to the wet markets in two Chinese provinces (Yunnan & Shanghai [not a province, I guess]).

At least in the most dense regions of China that I observed, the state definitely at least seemed to have the ability to enforce some form of effective mandatory social isolation. Even in rural areas, the government seemed to be able to project authority using tech.

Sure, their squat toilets are a mess but I don’t think that really reflects the technological capabilities of the state.